Dozens Killed As Israel Ramps Up Gaza Offensive

Israeli forces have stepped up airstrikes across Gaza, with multiple reports confirming that dozens of Palestinians have been killed in the latest round of attacks. Targets included shelters, schools, and an orphanage, adding to the mounting civilian death toll.

The situation remains critical in central Gaza, where one person was killed, and another wounded in a raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp. An Israeli helicopter reportedly fired on a tent housing displaced civilians near a school and government clinic in Deir el-Balah. Artillery shelling was also reported in the nearby Maghazi refugee camp.

Meanwhile, the United Nations is preparing a second round of polio vaccinations for 640,000 children in the war-torn region.

Since the Israeli genocidal war began in October 2023, at least 41,689 Palestinians have been killed, and 96,625 others have been injured.

Amid the Israeli violence, the United Nations is moving forward with plans to administer a second round of polio vaccinations in Gaza, targeting 640,000 children. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed that the first round, launched in September, achieved 90% immunization coverage for children under 10. The second round, which will also distribute vitamin supplements, is critical following the detection of a poliovirus case in August, the first in 25 years in the territory.

Additionally, Israeli military forces have imposed a curfew on the West Bank city of Hebron and arrested several young Palestinians, signaling an expansion of military operations in the occupied territories.

Tensions have also spilled into Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes hit central Beirut, killing at least six people and wounding several others. The strikes targeted the Bashoura neighborhood, just one kilometer from the prime minister's office, sparking widespread fear among residents. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health confirmed that three of the wounded later died in the hospital.

In southern Lebanon, fierce fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces continues. At least eight Israeli soldiers were killed in close combat with Hezbollah fighters, while the Lebanese resistance group launched over 100 rockets into northern occupied territories in retaliation for Israeli attacks.